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In the early days of the Galactic Empire’s rule over the galaxy, the planet Alderaan signed a treaty with the Empire that stated Alderaan would rid itself of all weapons. The planet obeyed the terms of the treaty for years.[2]

Around 2 BBY, evidence presented by the Sith LordDarth Vader indicated that Alderaan had violated the treaty and was stockpiling weapons for use against the Empire. The intelligence, however, was fabricated. Because the Empire-at-large did not know this, Vader used the information as justification for launching an attack on Alderaan, one secretly aimed at capturing Viceroy Bail Prestor Organa alive. The goal in capturing Organa was to use him in Vader’s plot to capture the Viceroy’s daughter, Alderaanian Princess Leia Organa. Viceroy Organa himself had sensed that something dangerous was approaching Alderaan, which he saw in the form of dreams where he saw a storm over the planet.[2]

The battle began in a field outside of Aldera, the planet’s capital city, into the streets of the city itself. A group of Imperial fighters also attacked an airbase containing civilian vessels, though Vader claimed that they were military fighters. The Imperial forces ultimately captured the capital city and placed the planet under direct Imperial occupation.[2]

Following the conclusion of the battle, Vader continued in his efforts to capture Princess Organa. The princess realized that she was influenced by the dark side ofthe Force, which Vader attempted to use to convince Leia to become his secret Sith apprentice. This caused some animosity with Starkiller, who already considered himself Vader’s de facto apprentice.[3]